Brooklyn by Bike

For more proof that fixie culture is taking off around the world, check out Fixed Gear Girl Taiwan. With a recent profile on Fixed Gear Girl Korea and some of the latest bike fashion abroad, you might realize that we here in the US aren’t always the first to be in the know.

Did you know they were riding fixed gear in Jamaica back in the 70s?

Women’s Specific Design, you know flowers and pastels plastered all over equipment designed for us. You’re into it right? Didn’t think so.

Yesterday I decided to spend my lunch break at the local bike shop testing a few different road models. I’ve been in the market for a new bike a decided to ask the shop what they would recommend for long commuting/short touring. They pointed me in the direction of the female specific frames. It’s not the first time I’ve seen these things with their unique geometry. I’m glad companies have started to take note on the differences in our size, but it’s the design that makes me vomit. Yesterday I rocked the Specialized Dolce around midtown, a purple bike with flowers. I’m 25 years old. Take a look.

Specialized Dolce: In case your lady spirit wasn't already satisfied by the pastel color scheme, check out the flowers on the tubes and fork.

Trek 7200 WSD: Purple flowers are a go.

Alright I admit my tastes are unique (I do enjoy Men’s Pocky after all) but the ladies and gentlemen on twitter had much to say regarding the female design issue with 17+ replies in one day!

@JohnFriedrich It’s often embarrassing to show a pink bike laden with flowers to an educated woman who earns 3x what I do.

@ihateangellamke girly bikes are why I’ve always owned men’s bikes. That and being tall/long-limbed.

That’s right manufacturers, we don’t appreciate the flowers. Please take note. I’d actually like to know how a female specific design comes to fruition. Is there a focus group? Are there female designers? Who is designing this ugly crap? Misaligned cycling designs for women speak a thousand words about a woman’s place in the cycling industry. Don’t even get me started on the apparel industry…

Team Estrogen: Because I rock all pink too

We were checking out the latest installment of Fixed Magazine and drooling all over the pretty bikes that we almost forgot to notice. Almost…hello Fixed Magazine! Where are all the ladies on bikes??

Oh wait! We see a lady!

Many ladies and dudes reading this publication, myself included would love to see the women on bikes being represented. I mean come on we see plenty of good looking ladies riding fixes all over Brooklyn. Put more of us in dam-nit! Julie did hold it down for us at the very end and we thank her for it. Julie if you are out there, we want to hear from you!

We still love Fixed Magazine. We just wish they’d include more of all of us. Check it out here, it’s free.